The Bangladesh cricket team showcased a solid performance in their only practice match ahead of the Test series against the West Indies. Despite significant rain interruptions, the two-day game at Coolidge ended in a draw, with Bangladesh dominating large portions of play and gaining valuable match practice.
Bangladesh’s Steady Batting Display
Bangladesh batted first and declared at 253 for 7 after 73.2 overs. Jaker Ali and Mahidul Islam led the charge with mature innings, retiring on 48 and 41, respectively, to allow others a chance to bat. Litton Das, returning to action after missing the second Test against South Africa due to illness, contributed a composed 31 runs, signaling his readiness for the challenges ahead.
Captain Mominul Haque also added a steady 31, underlining his experience in anchoring the innings. However, concerns remain over the form of the opening pair, Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Zakir Hasan, both of whom fell cheaply. Addressing the vulnerabilities at the top of the order will be crucial for Bangladesh’s success in the upcoming matches.
For the West Indies Select XI, bowlers Jair McAllister and Chaim Holder made notable contributions, each picking up two wickets. However, the hosts struggled to contain the Bangladesh batters for long periods, reflecting a lack of depth in their bowling attack.
Hasan Murad Steals the Show with a Hat-Trick
Rain significantly delayed play on the second day, but when the action resumed, Bangladesh’s bowlers took center stage. Rookie left-arm spinner Hasan Murad delivered a spectacular hat-trick, dismissing Daniel Beckford, Navin Bidaisee, and Chaim Holder in the 28th over. His match-winning spell of 3 for 1 left the West Indies Select XI reeling at 87 for 9.
Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud complemented Murad’s efforts with two wickets each, maintaining pressure throughout the innings. Hasan Mahmud’s dismissal of West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite, who was also leading the Select XI, was a key breakthrough, further boosting his confidence ahead of the Test series.
Shoriful Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz chipped in with one wicket each, underlining the depth in Bangladesh’s bowling attack. For the hosts, Kimani Melius top-scored with 23 runs, but his effort was insufficient to avert a batting collapse.
Key Takeaways for Bangladesh
- Bowling Unit in Fine Form
Hasan Murad’s hat-trick, combined with disciplined spells from Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud, highlighted the strength of Bangladesh’s bowling lineup. The ability to strike consistently and exploit conditions bodes well for the Test series. - Middle-Order Stability
Contributions from experienced players like Mominul Haque and the returning Litton Das showcased the reliability of Bangladesh’s middle order. This will be crucial against the West Indies’ more experienced bowling attack. - Concerns Over Openers
The struggles of Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Zakir Hasan continue to be a worry for the team. Their inability to provide solid starts could place undue pressure on the middle order in the upcoming matches.
Momentum Heading into the Test Series
The tour match has given Bangladesh an opportunity to acclimatize to the conditions and identify areas of improvement before the first Test in Antigua. While the middle order and bowling unit appear well-prepared, addressing the top-order batting issues remains a priority.
The first Test begins on Friday, and Bangladesh will look to carry their momentum into the series opener. For the visitors, this is a chance to prove their resilience and competitiveness on foreign soil, aiming to start the series on a high note.
